Space and Security in Europe

Abstract

The relation between space and security has always been quite different in Europe as compared to that in other spacefaring nations. This situation has evolved in the past decade with the progress of a European security and defense policy and the new competences of the European Union over security and space matters, as well as with the growing reliance of European economy and society on space for many critical services and policies. The article gives an overview of the recent evolution of “space and security” in Europe. It highlights the political and institutional developments, describes Europe’s specific approach to security and to “space for security,” and introduces the main European space activities for security. It finally reviews Europe’s current efforts to safeguard space sustainability and to protect its space assets from man-made and natural hazards.